Thursday, April 19, 2012

Technology:


New Los Angeles Sewage Treatment Using Geothermal Energy Prevents Carbon Emissions (Sierra Club)

(Courtesy EPA)
Currently, the city of Los Angeles is contracted with Terralog Technologies (TT) to use geothermal power  to process waste generated at the surface. To do this, TT is injecting waste directly into the deep subsurface of the earth.

The carbon dioxide that is produced is under such immense pressure underground that it liquefies. With carbon dioxide in liquid form, methane is free to build up on its own. Underground, the gases surrounding buried sewage are 95% methane.

Once enough methane builds under the surface, it will become possible to use the gas for fuel. Terralog is not currently creating energy, but methane levels are being closely monitored in hopes of using this abundant source in the future.